Suspended priest facing 8 sex-related charges against boys

A suspended Roman Catholic priest is facing several sex-related charges involving boys dating back to the 1970s.

Yvon Arsenault, 71, of Aldouane, was charged Thursday in Moncton provincial court with four counts of gross indecency, three counts of indecent assault and one count of sexual assault.

Arsenault was not present in court. The matter has been adjourned until Jan. 27 when he is expected to elect how he wants to be tried and to enter pleas.

Meanwhile, RCMP Staff Sgt. Jeff Johnston says the investigation is ongoing and police believe there may have been other incidents.

"The accused lived in several communities throughout New Brunswick so we're asking anyone who has information in regards to these matters to contact the Codiac Regional RCMP," he said.

The current charges relate to incidents that are alleged to have occurred during the 70s and early 80s in Shediac, Rosaireville and Collette.

There are four alleged victims, boys who were under the age of 18 at the time.

Arsenault was removed from his position in July of 2012 and retired the same month.

The RCMP started its investigation in December 2012 as the result of a complaint.

"All sexual abuse in any form is not acceptable and is condemned by the church," Moncton Archbishop Valéry Vienneau said in a statement.

Vienneau has "asked for prayers for all parties, especially victims and their families" and pledged his "full co-operation with authorities."

He declined any further comment now that the matter is before the courts.